Philippe CorbazEisenhower International School

Governor’s Global Education Conference

March 10, 2010 – OSU in Stillwater, OK

San Luis Potosi, Mexico Sister city since Oct. 1980 Exchange since 1992 Population about 700,000 Same time zone

Amiens, France Sister city since Oct. 2005 Exchange since 1999 Population about 170,000 Seven-hour difference

AMIENS SAN LUIS POTOSI

San Luis Potosi 17 years Eight weeks in fall Mexican students come during the same period Cost about $1,600 School schedule

Amiens 10 years Three weeks in Nov. (used to be May) French students come at a different time Cost about $1,300 School schedule and Wednesdays

Emily Wood

Cultural understanding

Language skills

Lasting relationships

Looking back on the time I spent in San Luis, I have come to

understand and greatly appreciate the opportunities I had during the

exchange. I had the chance to meet new people, try new things, and see

and experience a new culture. I learned a lot about myself and about the

world around me. I became a more self sufficient and independent person.

I learned about a whole new culture and was able to adapt to it. I

gained the strength to be put in an uncomfortable situation and make the

best of it. Because of my experience, I am now less afraid to leave home

and find my place in the world. I will carry the lessons learned from that

trip forever. It will always be one of the greatest experiences of my life.

Excerpt of an essay nominated for the 2010 Princeton Book Award , used with permission and read by

Joshua Corbaz

San Luis Potosi Many changes in personnel Immigration status for Mexican students Second school in the exchange

Amiens Lack of support from their elementary principal Dates of coming of French students Time spent in class

Both Exchanges Parents following rules Budget cuts in education funding Money to fund activities for ambassadors in Tulsa Selection of students

Communication Communication Communication

Ambassador training

San Luis Potosi Teacher exchange

Amiens Extend from 3 to 4 weeks Send 2 chaperones

Thank you for your attention!